Read Also: Smokenator

The History of National BBQ Month

Before we get into the meat of things (pun intended), let’s take a moment to appreciate the origins of National BBQ Month. This annual celebration traces its roots back to the rich history and cultural significance of BBQ in America. BBQ has long been a beloved culinary tradition, with its roots embedded in various regional styles and cooking techniques. National BBQ Month serves as a way to honor and preserve this time-honored tradition while bringing people together through the joy of food and outdoor cooking.

Throughout the years, National BBQ Month has become a platform for various BBQ-related events and traditions. From BBQ competitions and cook-offs to festivals and community gatherings, this month offers a wide array of opportunities to experience and appreciate the art of BBQ. It’s a testament to how BBQ has evolved and gained recognition as a quintessential part of American cuisine.

BBQ Tips and Techniques

Now, let’s talk about the heart and soul of BBQ: the techniques that bring out those incredible flavors and aromas. Whether you’re a seasoned pitmaster or just starting your BBQ journey, understanding the basics is essential.

When it comes to BBQ, there are various techniques to explore, including grilling and smoking. Grilling involves cooking food over direct heat, while smoking uses indirect heat and wood smoke to infuse a delectable smoky flavor. Experimenting with both techniques can add depth and complexity to your BBQ creations.

Choosing the right meat is crucial for a successful BBQ session. Opt for cuts that are suitable for low and slow cooking, such as brisket, ribs, or pork shoulder. These cuts are known for their tenderness and ability to absorb flavors during the cooking process.

Make sure to check out my entire section dedicated to grilling supplies and things to spice up your cookouts!

Marinating and seasoning your meat is another key step in BBQ preparation. A well-crafted marinade not only enhances the flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. I recommend Flavor Gods if you want a low sodium option.  Experiment with different marinades and spice rubs to find your signature flavor profile. Remember to allow sufficient marinating time for the flavors to penetrate the meat.

When it’s time to fire up the grill or smoker, maintaining the right temperature is crucial. Each type of meat requires specific cooking times and temperatures. Use a reliable meat thermometer to ensure your BBQ is cooked to perfection. Remember, patience is key, as low and slow cooking allows the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy.

Finally, don’t forget about the sauces and rubs that add the finishing touch to your BBQ masterpiece. Whether it’s a tangy and sweet BBQ sauce or a dry rub with a kick, finding the right combination can elevate your flavors to new heights. Experiment with different sauce and rub recipes to discover your personal favorites.

Also Read:  Best Products to Clean Your Grill

BBQ Recipes and Menu Ideas

Now that we’ve covered the essential tips and techniques, it’s time to tantalize your taste buds with some incredible BBQ recipes. These recipes are sure to impress your family and friends at your National BBQ Month celebrations:

1. Grilled Chicken with Homemade BBQ Sauce

Ingredients:

• 4 bone-in chicken thighs
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the BBQ sauce, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
4. Grill the chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, basting with the BBQ sauce mixture during the last few minutes of grilling.
5. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!

2. Smoked Ribs with a Dry Rub

Ingredients:

• 2 racks of baby back ribs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 225°F (107°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, black pepper, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
3. Remove the silver skin from the back of the ribs and generously season both sides with the dry rub.
4. Place the ribs on the smoker and smoke for 3-4 hours, or until the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
5. Remove from the smoker, let rest for a few minutes, and then slice. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 hamburger buns
• For the coleslaw:
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
2. Generously season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker and smoke for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) and the meat is tender and pulls away from the bone.
4. Remove from the smoker, let rest for a few minutes, and then slice. Serve with your favorite BBQ sauce. Enjoy!

3. Pulled Pork Sandwiches with Coleslaw

Ingredients:

• 4 pounds pork shoulder
• 1 cup BBQ sauce
• 8 hamburger buns
• For the coleslaw:
• 2 cups shredded cabbage
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your smoker to 250°F (121°C).
2. Generously season the pork shoulder with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork shoulder on the smoker and smoke for 8-10 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F (90°C) and the meat is tender and easily shredded.
4. Remove the pork shoulder from the smoker and let it rest for 20-30 minutes. Shred the meat using two forks.
5. In a bowl, mix together the shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, apple cider vinegar, honey, salt, and pepper to make the coleslaw.
6. Toast the hamburger buns, if desired, and assemble the pulled pork sandwiches with the shredded meat, BBQ sauce, and coleslaw. Serve and enjoy!

4. Grilled Vegetables for Vegetarian Options

Ingredients:

• Assorted vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, mushrooms, onions)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the vegetables into large, uniform pieces.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, dried herbs, salt, and pepper.
4. Brush the vegetables with the olive oil mixture.
5. Grill the vegetables for 4-5 minutes per side or until they are tender and have grill marks.
6. Remove from the grill and serve as a delicious vegetarian option for your BBQ feast!

Feel free to adapt these recipes to your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Now that you have a fantastic menu for your National BBQ Month celebration, let’s move on to the next section!

Hosting a BBQ Party for National BBQ Month

Planning and organizing a BBQ party can be as enjoyable as the party itself. Here are some tips to help you throw a memorable BBQ bash:

1. Choosing a Suitable Location

Consider hosting your BBQ party in your backyard, a local park, or even at a friend’s place. Ensure there are adequate seating arrangements, shade, and facilities for your guests’ comfort.

2. Creating a Guest List and Sending out Invitations

Compile a list of family and friends you’d like to invite. Send out invitations via email, social media, or traditional paper invitations to get everyone excited about the upcoming BBQ party.

3. Selecting BBQ-Friendly Decorations and Ambiance

Create a festive atmosphere by incorporating BBQ-themed decorations such as tablecloths, banners, and centerpieces. Set up some outdoor lighting to create an inviting ambiance for your guests.

4. Planning a Diverse Menu

Offer a variety of BBQ options to cater to different preferences and dietary restrictions. Include the recipes mentioned earlier and consider adding some sides, salads, and desserts to complete the menu.

5. Suggest Games and Activities

Keep your guests entertained with fun games like cornhole, frisbee, or a friendly BBQ cook-off competition. Encourage everyone to participate and create a lively and enjoyable atmosphere.

6. Providing Seating, Shade, and Amenities

Ensure you have enough seating for your guests, whether it’s picnic tables, lawn chairs, or blankets

Set up shaded areas to provide relief from the sun, and have amenities like coolers with refreshing beverages and water stations available.

Celebrating National BBQ Month Locally

While hosting your BBQ party is a fantastic way to celebrate National BBQ Month, don’t forget to explore and support local BBQ events, restaurants, and businesses. Here are a few suggestions:

1. BBQ Events and Festivals

Check out local BBQ events and festivals happening in your area during National BBQ Month. Attend these gatherings to indulge in a wide range of BBQ styles, flavors, and techniques.

2. Local BBQ Restaurants or Food Trucks

Discover hidden gems and popular BBQ spots in your city or town. Try out different BBQ restaurants or food trucks to savor unique flavors and specialties.

3. BBQ Competitions or Cook-Offs

Participate in or attend BBQ competitions or cook-offs to witness the talent and passion of BBQ enthusiasts in your community. These events offer a chance to learn from experts and engage with fellow BBQ lovers.

4. Supporting Local BBQ Businesses

Make a conscious effort to support local BBQ businesses throughout the month. Spread the word about your favorite BBQ joints, write reviews, and share your experiences on social media to help promote their delicious offerings.

Conclusion

As National BBQ Month draws to a close, it’s essential to reflect on the significance of this celebration. BBQ is not just about grilling or smoking meat—it’s a cultural experience that brings people together and ignites their taste buds. By incorporating the tips and ideas shared in this article, you can enhance your BBQ skills, enjoy mouthwatering recipes, and create unforgettable memories with friends and family.

Remember, National BBQ Month is not limited to a single month. Let the spirit of BBQ continue to inspire and delight you throughout the year. So, fire up those grills, experiment with flavors, and keep the BBQ tradition alive!

Read Also: How to Make Rum Ham

The post National BBQ Month: Celebrating the Culinary Tradition of BBQ appeared first on ThingsMenBuy.com.

1. Day

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada. One explanation to this could be that they celebrate it according to natural seasonal shift and as per Canada’s geographical location, harvest season comes first. Although Canadian Thanksgiving formally falls on a Monday, it can be held at any time during the weekend of three days. The big family meal could be on Saturdays or Sundays, rather than on Mondays.

USA celebrates Thanksgiving Day on the fourth Thursday of November each year.  As a result, Americans get both Friday and Monday off.

2. History

Historically in Canada, Thanksgiving celebrations commemorated everything from explorer’s crossing of Northwest Passage to World War victories. More emphasis has been given to the harvest, changing leaves, and autumn fruits and vegetables.

The tradition of Fasts and Days of Thanksgiving was introduced in the USA by the pilgrims and puritans who emigrated from England in the 1620s and 1630s. Hence, the emphasis in this country is on pilgrims and the Mayflower ship that carried those pilgrims.

3. Shopping

The biggest discount shopping day in Canada is Boxing Day, the day after Christmas Day. In contrast to America, there is no huge shopping day following Thanksgiving here.

In the USA, Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday (the coming Monday) are legendary shopping days. Massive discounts are given during Black Friday and Cyber Monday sale events that are considered the biggest shopping days of the year.

4. Food

Generally, the foods popular during American and Canadian Thanksgivings are fairly similar. In both countries, turkey is the main dish accompanied by mashed potatoes, gravy, sweet corn and other seasonal vegetables. The dessert is where the difference in preparation really shows. In America, pumpkin pie tends to be sweet and is paired with custard. Canadians love to spice up their pumpkin pie with ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon.

In both USA and Canada, invites are sent to attend grand Thanksgiving feasts along with friends and family. No one wants to show up empty-handed when invited to somebody’s house for lunch or dinner. A great way to show gratitude is by taking gourmet food gifts for the hosts. During Thanksgiving, the tradition of giving fruits goes back to the earliest recorded history. Premium gift boxes full of organic dried fruits such as dates and nuts seem like a holiday favourite. Offering a plethora of nutritional elements, dates are practically superfoods that have been gaining momentum thanks to the healthy eating trend. The healthier the food, the more the gift will be appreciated by the hosts. As this holiday evolves with distinct cultural factors, it is viewed as a moment to offer thanks, celebrate the season’s bounty, and enjoy a feast with family and friends.

The post Thanksgiving Day in Canada Vs USA: National Peculiarities appeared first on ThingsMenBuy.com.

Although Christmas is less than a month away, there is still some time left to squeeze in a few nights out on the town. Whether you have end-of-year work functions to attend or are hoping for a few more soirees with the boys (or your family), chances are, unless you are Michael B. Jordan or David Beckham, you have no idea what to wear on a festive outing. Luckily you don’t need to be a rocket scientist to be able to spruce up your outfit without ending up looking either like James Bond or a Christmas Elf. Here are a few basic hints that will help you plan your next night out while ensuring you look dapper and still feel both confident and comfortable.

Dress to the tee at a formal do

When you have been invited to attend a formal Christmas Party or a night out at the casino or a fancy restaurant, you need to don the correct attire. Even if you work in a casual work environment it will be expected of you to wear a suit if the invitation specifies that formal dress is required. Remember that the term ‘formal’ does not necessarily mean you have to wear a tux. In fact, a tux will more than likely be overkill in all three scenarios. Instead, opt for a simple navy or dark grey suit or, if you want to tone it down, even more, opt for a more casual jacket with a collared shirt and tie.

Casual occasions can be fun too

If you are more of a causal guy you can keep your fingers crossed that your Christmas party is not of the formal variety.  If your wish is granted, you can breathe a sigh of relief and put your suit back in your wardrobe. A blazer over a plain-colored button-down shirt can look very stylish and allows makes it possible to add more layers should the weather call for it. This year lightweight blazers in navy blue, charcoal, camel and black are all proving to be popular choices while white and royal blue shirts have been a top pick among men worldwide during 2018.

When in doubt, wear jeans

Great-fitting, dressy jeans are virtually fail-proof and can be as formal or as casual as you want them to be. If you don’t think you can pull off jeans to a smart-casual affair, opt for a pair of chinos in khaki, navy, black or beige.  Finally, finish your look off with a pair of quality boots or loafers, a suitable belt, and a simple yet classy watch.

Other night out ideas to consider

If your work party has come and gone, your wife makes better food at home than any restaurant, and you are looking for a change of scenery from the local casino, don’t despair.  The Festive Season is all about late-night shopping, special cinema screenings of Christmas movies, craft markets, and other year-end festivities. Whether you spend your night out with your friends, your family or by yourself try to remember what the season is about, stay safe, be happy and share the festive cheer.

With only a few weeks left in the year, it is important that you finish it off in style, without any serious fashion faux pas. Always remember that even when making use of the guidelines above it is important that your outfits reflect your own style and personality as well.

The post Where To Go This Christmas and How to Look Your Best appeared first on ThingsMenBuy.com.

Craft Beer Resolutions for 2018

Since it is New Year’s Day, it is fitting to have resolutions. Some may scoff and say that’s old-fashioned or pointless. I, however, am going the traditional route and am going to lay down some resolutions, goals, aspirations, or whatever the hell you want to call them. As far as 2018 is concerned, I say “Craft Beer is King!”

So much for the fanfare, let’s get to my craft beer resolutions

Drink More

#1. I Resolve to Drink More Craft Beer. Some may say that’s not possible. How can I, they might think, a drinking legend in my own mind possibly consume more craft beer? Craft brew with breakfast perhaps? Flasks of small brewery beers strapped to various body parts ready for a moment’s indulgence? Forgo food for tasty brews so the food doesn’t reduce capacity? My Gawd, has he finally perfected the art of sleep drinking?

Fear not, my friends, this resolution and some of the questions surrounding it are not as dramatic as appearances indicate. The simple truth is that liver and moderation be damned, I’m going for it. If I have a moment, I’ll pop in a place to sample something new or find a familiar liquid friend for a quick thirst quenching. Errands to run? Why not find that craft watering hole for pre and post errands. You see, it is simply a matter of maximizing every opportunity. I just need to become a more opportunistic imbiber. Yeah. I’ll go with that. Sure.

More Often and Different

#2. I Resolve to Drink Craft Beer More Often. Okay, this resolution goes with #1. You can connect the dots.

#3. I Resolve to Drink a Larger Variety of Craft Beer. If I see a label, a tap, or hear about a heretofore unknown to me brewery, or a known brewery putting out a new batch, I’m going to give it a shot. I’ll try it. Maybe my boundaries will be forever burst. I’ll rip through that hop horizon and explore heady new brews. I’ll be an explorer of the great craft beer frontier! If a small independent brewery brews it, I will drink it!

Craft Beer Drinking Everywhere

#4. I Resolve to Drink More Craft Beer Everywhere. That’s right. I’m a traveling man, I’ll do what I can. Wherever I go, I will ferret out local breweries and local brews with even more vigor. I’m a man on a mission and I have a thirst for new places to knock back some pints. Vacation? No.  Beer-cation? Yes! There are many tap-rooms and craft beer bars that I’ve missed. I’m putting an end to that. Every joint in every town I stop in that serves microbrews will see me coming through their doors. Put out that Welcome Mat because I’ll soon be stumbling over it!

I better stop there. Based on those four resolutions, I’m not even going to remember 2018. Hmmm, I think it’ll be a good year. Let me know how it goes. Cheers!

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We all want to start off the New Year having a good time, brimming with positive energy and looking forward to the year ahead.

You could go to an all-singing, all-dancing party which costs mega bucks or visit Times Square and see the ball dropping, or spend time with your loved one and have a romantic meal at a restaurant.  These can all be great fun if you find the right crowd of people or you just want an intimate night with your partner, but how about hosting your own celebration, here’s our Top 3 best ideas for parties for New Year’s Eve 2018.

That way you can invite the guys that you really want to be there and celebrate with your favorite people.  (If you and your friends have kids, a home-based party is an ideal way to combine family fun with an adult celebration too).

Our Top 3 Best Ideas For Parties For New Year’s Eve 2018

#1. A Cocktail New Year’s Eve Party

If you have a group of friends who like to celebrate their New Year’s Eve by experimenting with a few different drinks, then a cocktail party could be an ideal answer.

To keep the costs down, you can do some forward planning, choose six cocktails and ask people to bring along the ingredients for one of them or the main spirit in the drink and then you provide the mixers.  Another alternative is to ask for a contribution beforehand, then make up a quantity of large pitchers of each cocktail to get the party rocking.

For some Martini cocktail ideas, have a look here.

A cocktail party is also a good excuse to dress up – think the roaring 20s, flapper-style dresses for the ladies and DJ’s for the guys.

Read Also: Dubai Party Ideas

#2. A Cool Themed Party

There are some brilliant themes for your New Year’s Eve Party, try one of these:

• A Black and White Ball just like Truman Capote in 1966 
• A Bonfire Party – fire up the BBQ and enjoy some classic steaks like the ones here and our recommended craft beers to wash them down with.
• A Hollywood Party – invite your guests to dress up as their favorite Hollywood actor.  (We recently had a ‘Dead Singers’ Party and the house was full of Elvis, Janis Joplin, Freddie Mercury and Marilyn Monroe!)
•  A Decade Party – choose your favorite decade, make a suitable playlist, research the food and drink which was trendy in that era and you’re all set!

If you need some party game ideas, here’s a few to get you started:

#3. Hire A Venue for Party

If you want to keep the cost down and go for something a bit more adventurous than home, you could hire a boat or a cabin and invite all your friends to join you for a New Year’s Eve mini vacation.

Talking of mini vacations, my favorite would be hiring a ski chalet with my friends, something like this:

Whatever you do, stay safe, enjoy and Happy New Year!

The post Best Ideas for Parties for New Year’s Eve 2018 appeared first on ThingsMenBuy.com.

Not the Time for Moderation

My answer to the “What to drink?” question is quite simple. Everything and anything! Hold on! Please don’t misunderstand. I am not advocating that you become a “garbage drunk” for the next two days, though intoxication may very well help you deal with or at least endure relatives, in-laws, and over budget spending.

What I am saying is imbibe in your favorites and venture out of your usual so you can explore the wonderful world of alcoholic beverages as yet undiscovered. Drink craft beer. Drink wine. Drink cocktails. Have some punch. Get into the holiday spirit by consuming a reasonable amount of spirits. If you’re in a safe place that does not require driving or doing anything that may cause harm to yourself or others, I say, “What the hell” and push your own personal consumption envelope a little.

The Lowdown on What to Drink on Christmas Eve

Craft Beer for Christmas Eve

Pretend she’s holding craft beer…okay?

There are many craft beers to choose from to celebrate the holidays. A few that are generally available nationwide are Bell’s Christmas Ale, Sierra Nevada’s Celebration, and any craft beer that you haven’t sampled previously. Be adventurous. Just go for it.

The Connection: Red Wine and Rudolph’s Red Nose?

Was Rudolph of Red Nosed Reindeerdom sporting a red nose from dipping in some cabernet? I don’t know. But I do know this. When it comes to wine for Christmas and Christmas Eve, I say Port. Dow’s, Fonseca, and Sandeman’s are brands that are usually easy to find and offer tasty ports throughout the port spectrum. Sticking with reds, I say go to California and spend less than $25 a bottle. Ancient Peaks Zinfandel works well, Au Bon Climat 2012 Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir is versatile, and Banshee Mordecai Proprietary Red Blend is a lesser-known standout. Also, J Lohr Syrah is a drop dead deal at around $14 per bottle!

Some Bubbles

If you fancy sparkling, Veuve is great, Mumm’s offers value, and the classic champagne is Dom Perignon. Why not enjoy a bubbly Christmastime? Extra points for clinking those glasses during a toast.

Whites for You But Not for Me

I’m not a big fan of white wines. There are plenty of great ones, no doubt, but just not my thing. Doesn’t mean I can’t suggest some from around the USA. From California’s Central Coast, Treana’s 2014 Blanc is a nice blend of mostly Viognier and Marsanne with a bit of Roussanne. Barboursville out of Virginia has a 2015 Reserve Viognier that is well worth your time and effort. Heading back to the west coast, from Oregon look for the 2015 Chehalem INOX Chardonnay. Its quality is above and beyond its price point.

Cocktailing on Christmas Eve! Drink Eggnog!

For cocktails, the first thing you absolutely must drink on Christmas Eve is Egg Nog. Spiked eggnog that is. It has to have a bit of bourbon or blended whiskey, if you prefer, in it. As far as I’m concerned, alcoholic eggnog is the official adult beverage of Christmas Eve and Christmas. No arguments to the contrary allowed. Period.

Man Up with Classic Cocktails for the Christmas Season

Ready for a cocktail after your alcoholic eggnog? Go classic. Mix a nice martini of your choice using quality gin or vodka (if you must). But please men, leave the apple chocolate berry “whatevertini” for the ladies. If you view that last sentence as sexist, remember the name of this website. Plus, I never mean any harm. The other classic Christmas season cocktail I endorse is non other than the venerable Manhattan. I’m a big scotch fan too, so I also endorse the Rob Roy. It’s Christmas so keep it classic.

Filling the Punchbowl for Christmas Eve

Finally, if you must mix a punch be sure to make vodka your base alcohol. Smirnoff is a brand that is known for quality yet won’t empty your wallet if you get a couple liters for your punch. That’s right, liters. Go big or go home friends! I prefer some frozen condensed juices for intense flavoring along with seltzer and 7-Up to round things out. Pop in some tasty fresh fruit to class up that big bowl of holiday cheer!

There you have my suggestions on what to drink on Christmas Eve and beyond. Enjoy the holiday season to the utmost while imbibing in adult beverages. I’ll leave you with this…Cheers! Oh, and Merry Christmas!

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I just found out that Things Men Buy even offers information and  a discount for getting your own humorously ugly holiday sweaters from Tipsy Elves. I may be slow, but I eventually catch up.

Ugly Sweaters are the New “Good” for Christmas

It seems like ugly is actually a good thing when it comes to sweaters for the Christmas season. Since when did getting into the holiday spirit mean sporting an over-the-top loud and obnoxious sweater? Apparently long enough that there is actually a National Ugly Sweater Day. I’m not kidding. It is the third Friday of December. That’s December 15 this year.

There have been many times throughout the years when I’ve actually been somewhere that is cold, that I’ve seen people wearing some seriously unattractive sweaters. Looks like I’ve been snoozing when it comes to this being a real popular thing. I’m not a big fan of sweaters anyway. I think most I’ve seen in my life are ugly. So, I guess it is not much of a stretch that people are into this.

Good for a Chuckle

I have to admit, it is funny to me. The idea makes me laugh a little. I’m also pretty competitive so I can see people getting into it and trying to out-ugly each other. Looking around online, I’ve seen some flat out ugly sweaters. Ones that would definitely be in the running for the ugliest Christmas sweaters of 2017.

Pre-Christmas Shopping?

The more I think about it the more I think I could get into this whole thing. I love the Christmas season. There are lots of opportunities to get together with family and friends. It seems like there are holiday parties at least every weekend. Plenty of holiday events happening. It might even be fun to wear something outrageously loud just running errands. It would be fun sporting an obnoxious sweater at bars too. I can see it getting people talking, that’s for sure.

Maybe its time for me to catch up and get with this program. Maybe. Just maybe 2017 is the year.

Click here for the homepage.

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Finding the Best Cyber Monday Websites for Men

Great Deals with Things Men Buy

Naturally, I think any men’s online shopping excursion should start with Things Men Buy. Cyber Monday is no different. If you’re a man searching for man merchandise or if you’re shopping for the man in your life, thingsmenbuy.com has great reviews, products, and serves up other sites that offer great deals. Don’t overlook TMB.

Quality Watches from Crown & Caliber’s Website

If you want stellar men’s fashion watches, Crown & Caliber cannot be beat. We’re talking highest quality brands including Rolex, OMEGA, Patek Philippe, and others that men want can be found here. Do yourself a favor and shop their Cyber Monday deals before they end!

Many of the big online retailers, both those with brick and mortar stores and online only, have some serious money saving action happening for Cyber Monday.

Amazon and E-Bay Have Deals

These are two well known online shopping websites. Plenty of choices on either Amazon or E-Bay to stock up on man gear. Deals “o-plenty” can be found on either one. Keep your eyes open for Deals of the Day on Amazon.

Best Buy for Best Buys

Best Buy is especially good for all the latest high tech TVs. I get all jacked up when I think about not having to pay shipping charges on a giant TV. Good job on that Best Buy.

Newegg Electronics Heaven

Speaking of electronics (Best Buy…remember? Sure.), nose around Newegg. All kinds of deals on all kinds of electronics. Scout out some of their coupons for crazy savings!

Dell’s Deals

If you’re not an Apple freak like me, take a look at Dell’s website. They have discounts of up to 50%, plus they offer a low price match guarantee and financing too. With all that, you can really go crazy on Cyber Monday!

Cabela’s Stepping Up

Get ready, Men, it is outdoors time. Don’t overlook Cabela’s. They are definitely competing for the Best Cyber Monday Website for Men because they stretch their deals out the whole week. You heard right, Cabela’s offers an entire Cyber Week! Ya gotta love that!

But that’s not all. Cabela’s have a neat thing they call the “Bargain Cave” where you can find some select merch for up to 70% off. I’m hearing the call of the wild here, for sure.

There ya go, TMB readers, shop at will.

Go back to the homepage by clicking here.

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Here’s the Best Black Friday Websites for Men to Shop

Right here at Things Men Buy

Things Men Buy. Did you really think I wouldn’t mention thingsmenbuy.com? If you’ve looked around even a little at this website, you know there’s kick ass man stuff available at great prices and discounts. Check out the Black Friday money saving discount ads and click on them to shop for top notch merch that men like you and me just have to have. Big Boy Toys, Survival Gear, Grill Supplies and more are all here. Things Men Buy is an oasis for stuff for men.

Black Friday Savings at BJ’s

The BJ’s Wholesale Club website has some 4-day and 11-day deals going on that are pretty fantastic. You can save major bucks here on electronics. Looking for a PlayStation 4? How about an Amazon Fire TV stick remote control with Alexa voice? You can save hundreds of dollars on a variety of digital cameras from Canon and Nikon. I also saw big savings there on a mini-drone bundle too. If you want to upgrade your man cave, take a peek at all their curved screen UHD TVs. You can save hundreds of dollars on the most bad ass TVs you’ve ever seen. Plus they pay shipping on the TVs and do their “White Glove” set up where they set the TV up in the room of your choice and get rid of the trash for you too. If you want it mounted on a wall, you have to man-up and do that yourself.

Check Out the Best Buy Website

While I have mixed feelings about shopping in Best Buy stores, they do have some killer Black Friday deals happening on their website. I was mainly checking out Apple gear. If you’re all about Apple products, which I am, or want to make the jump to a sweet MacBook Pro or MacBook Air, you can definitely save some scratch by taking a look on their site. Best Buy also has quite a few pretty solid deals on some wicked TVs too.

More Worthwhile Black Friday Websites for Men

Some other great Black Friday websites for men deserve at least a mention. Obviously, I’m not being comprehensive here as there are a shit ton of websites that have Black Friday deals, but I’m going to lay out a few more.

If you’re into audio, Newegg has deals on top brand name audio equipment, electronics, and more. Newegg even has a marketplace where other vendors offer high-end audio, drones, gaming chairs, and other merchandise men appreciate.

Naturally, Amazon has to be mentioned too. They are aggressive in their pricing and that makes them super competitive. You can find just about anything any man would want there. Sometimes it takes awhile to comb through their website to find exactly what you want, but for most that is a small price to pay.

Fire up your computer and get shopping! It’s easy to find some deals on these black Friday websites which are all bursting with man gear. Credit cards ready? Go!

Go Back to The Homepage Here.

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The week after I went out to Las Vegas to see my girlfriend. It was COLD! Luckily I had a new Under Armour jacket that kept me warm! She was pretty busy finishing up with her clients at the hair salon so I spent most of my time working from various restaurants and coffee shops around Las Vegas. It’s in the area of Summerlin, so there’s a lot more to do out there than just the deviant stuff on the Las Vegas strip, so it’s pretty tolerable.

I wish I had more time to review more stuff, I feel like I let down a lot of readers by not doing more stuff for the Christmas Season. Work was crazy. Between my SEO Agency, my e-commerce businesses, my affiliate marketing tutoring course, and my consulting gigs, life was chaotic. Mix in the fact I had to shop for everyone close to me, care for my son, and well, you get it – the Holiday season was just madness.

I spent a week in Vegas before returning to South Florida, which was a nice change of hotness! The weather was still 80 something and the water was still blue. I love South Florida and all it has to offer.

I joined up at a new gym – a cycling bar. It’s a good compliment to Orange Theory Fitness, which I’ve enjoyed a lot. It’s helped me maintain my 2016 New Years Resolution of losing weight, but I like to always change things up so I figured adding the cycling would beef up my legs and really help me get to new levels.

I did Christmas at my parents house in Fort Myers before heading out to the Caribbean for a few days over New Years. It wasn’t as fun as some other trips I’ve been on, but it was good to get away.

So it’s probably time to set some goals for 2017.

2016 brought a lot of growth to Things Men Buy, and I’m looking to continue the uptick in traffic and readership. As I find new products and items to review, you can count on them not only being reviewed here, but also on my YouTube Channel. I’m going to start incorporating a lot more video into the site, and am toying with the idea of setting up a review studio type room in my house.

I’m personally working on some resolutions as well – I’ll be back in touch with those so I can hold myself accountable like I did last year!

The post Things Men Buy Updates for January 2017 appeared first on ThingsMenBuy.com.